Has anyone recently got into 'proper' photography?

[ollie288]

Hi,

Just looking for a little advice really, I have recently got a 1k bonus from work and I thought rather than flitter it away on nothing I would put it to good use and buy my first DSLR camera. I enjoy taking pictures and messing with them on the comp (not very good atm  ). Currently I have a little crappy point and shoot digital camera which is rather limiting. I want to get my first DLSR but I need it to be easy to use, but not so easy that I will grow out of it quickly if you get what I mean.

I have been reading all the pro reviews on the internet but I wanted a real persons opinion on it. (This forum is usually good with advice on any matters so I thought what better place to ask) Has anyone got any recommendations for a good first DLSR? Has  anyone bought one recently?

 

[stealthwolf]

I think deako was selling an excellent setup - all in for £500. Might be worth contacting him?

I'd also recommend dpreview.com as part of your research. Your style, your subject and your budget all play a part in finding the right camera. I wouldn't blow £1000 on a camera but maybe look at say £500 on a camera, and £500 on some basic extras that could then be used with a superior model camera.

[ollie288]

Cheers Stealthwolf,

Yeah I dont think I want to spend 1k on just the camera! I just want a good advanced beginner DSLR. I have been looking on the net for about two hours and I am still non the wiser!  It seems Cannon and Nikon are deemed the best.

I have been looking at the eos 600d but I haven't got a clue if it is what I want! They say it is an excellent cam which is easy to use so I guess it ticks the right boxes. Also what is a good general lens? The packs seem to come with 18 - 55mm as the norm. I guess you pick a lot of the knowledge up as you go, but I dont want to buy wrong camera before I have even started!
 
 

[alexperkins]

When I started out a few years ago, I got a Nikon D80 (I now have two of them  )

Id already done some film SLR photography so had a rough idea of how it worked, but wanted to move to a system that didnt cost the earth to look at the photos afterwards!

Personally, Id get a Nikon for a first camera...if anything they are easier to use than the canon counterpart and IMO the build quality is superior

18-55 is a good lens, though 18-135 is a great starter lens

[micaerin]

Id agree with the Nikon option, i did have a Canon EOS 400D, which took some great photos,but i recently have been using a friends Nikon D60 and it really is a better camera and i have a better ratio of decent pictures compared to the Canon. always look for image stabilisation on the Lens (Canon & Nikon) as it helped me

[Hedge]

In reality 1k doesn't buy you a huge amount. I would suggest you look for kit deals if buying new or don't be afraid to go second-hand.
As said image stabilisation can be very useful but other brands such as Pentax and Sony offer this 'in body' rather than on the lens which means any lens is image stabilised.

[cmdrfire]

In reality 1k doesn't buy you a huge amount. I would suggest you look for kit deals if buying new or don't be afraid to go second-hand.
As said image stabilisation can be very useful but other brands such as Pentax and Sony offer this 'in body' rather than on the lens which means any lens is image stabilised.

^^^

What he said, though I'd recommend Canon, Nikon, or Pentax because of a greater choice of lenses (and many more good lenses available on the used market).

[Britishlion]

I have just bought my first Camera !  rather than blow our hard earned on something i may get bored with in a month, i bought a Sony Nex 5 second hand !

Got to say I am amazed by how good it is and is perfectly placed in between the big jump to bulky SLR and point and shoot compact !

My advice, if it is worth anything being a noob into photography, have a look at the Sony, reviews are all good and worth a flutter to see if you like it or not.

I got the dual lens kit so have multiple options when trying out different shots ! will post up a couple shortly.

[Britishlion]

My first attempts at this photography lark ! with a Sony Nex 5

[alexperkins]

Good shot 

[Britishlion]

^^^^^^^


Thanks that means a lot !

Only taken on my second trip out with it, but gives the OP an idea of how even for a beginner the rapid shot allows you to get some great pictures.

[ollie288]

Damn I came home to all these replies after I have bought one! 

I had a long chat with a man in Jessops today, after trying the cannon 1100 and nikon D3100 I decided I preferred the Nikon so I bought it. Just waiting for the battery to charge and then I will have a play with it! He said the body will be more than good enough and if my skills do develop quickly then buying a better lens would make a big difference. The kit came with a 18 - 55mm f/3.5-5.gG VR lens 

Cheers for the advice!

[alexperkins]

Good choice Ollie. The D3100 is a great camera.

Good lens to get you started. I use a Tamron 18-55 F2.8 on mine and thats a cracking lens

[ollie288]

Glad to hear I made the right choice. I preferred the feel of the nikon. Also the man, took 4 pictures with both cameras, portrait, landscape, zoom and portrait with a flash and the nikon seemed better on all four. (Jessops agreed)

I think I have a lot to learn but I am looking forward to it. (The manual is huge!!)

Are there any good photography sites you use?

[alexperkins]

I used a book to learn mine. Really helpful...covered all the basics and alot more and wasnt expensive either! Can find its details if you want